Modular Paint Change Module for Multi-Consumer Coating Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color changing devices for coating materials are inflexible and require a separate device for each consumer, limiting their ability to supply multiple coating materials simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A modular color changing device with a universal supply module that allows multiple delivery channels to be connected via complementary connections, enabling flexible expansion and supply of multiple coating materials to multiple consumers through a network of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate changing device is provided for each consumer, then each consumer can be supplied with coating material, but the device complexity and number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The changing device is designed with a universal architecture that can serve multiple consumers simultaneously. The device includes multiple delivery channels (first delivery channel, second delivery channel) that can be connected to different consumers, allowing a single device to perform the function of multiple separate devices while maintaining the ability to supply different coating materials to each consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components including fluid channels, delivery channels, and valve assemblies that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the device to be configured for different numbers of consumers and enables independent control of coating material flow to each consumer, reducing the need for entirely separate devices.
2Device complexity
If a single changing device supplies multiple coating materials, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously supply multiple consumers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple delivery channels (first delivery channel connected to first consumer, second delivery channel connected to second consumer) within a single integrated structure. Each delivery channel can be independently controlled by its own valve assembly, enabling the single device to simultaneously supply multiple consumers with different coating materials.
3Speed
If the flow path is always open for rapid paint change, then switching speed is improved, but coating material may leak or be wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is positioned and configured to close the flow path between the fluid channel and delivery channel before paint changing operations begin. This preliminary closing action prevents coating material leakage or waste, and allows the system to rapidly switch between different coating materials when needed by opening the flow path at the appropriate moment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular design increases the flexibility and efficiency of color changing devices, allowing for the supply of multiple coating materials to multiple consumers with each additional module, enhancing adaptability and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
the closure device comprises a compressed air-actuated valve which can be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air inlet connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module for a modular changing device for coating materials, particularly for paints, comprising a housing (32), a fluid channel (40.i; 40x-1, 40.x-2; 40.x.z-1, 40.x.z-2) to which a fluid material is supplied from outside, and an outflow channel (48; 48.x-1; 48.x.z) that can be connected to a consumer device and is connected to the fluid channel (40.i; 40x-1, 40.x-2; 40.x.z-1, 40.x.z-2) by means of a flow path (50; 50.x-m; 50.x-1, 50.x-2). The flow path (50; 50.x-m; 50.x.z-1; 50.x.z-2) between the fluid channel (40.i; 40x-1, 40.x-2; 40.x.z-1, 40.x.z-2) and the outflow channel (48; 48.x-l; 48.x.z) can be selectively closed or opened by means of a closing device (60.i; 60.x-m; 60.x.z-1, 60.x.z-2). The fluid channel (40.i; 40.x.z-1, 40.x.z-2) is embodied as a through-channel and extends between a first connection point (28.i; 28.x-1, 28.x-2) accessible from the outside, on a first connection point side (30) of the housing (32), and a second connection point (42.i; 42.x.z-1, 42.x.z-2), accessible from the outside, on a second connection point side (44) of the housing (32), the two connection points (28.i; 28.x-1, 28.x-2; 42.i; 42.x.z-1,42.x.z-2) of the fluid channel (40.i; 40x-1, 40.x-2; 40.x.z-1, 40.x.z-2) being complementary to each other in such a way that, for two interconnected modules (14(z).z; 14(xz).x.z), the second connection point (42.i; 42.x.z- 1, 42.x.z-2) of the first module and the first connection point (28.i; 28.x-1, 28.x-2) of the second module are interconnected in a fluid-tight manner, and/or the outflow channel (48.x-1) is a first outflow channel and the module comprises a second outflow channel (48.x-2) or a plurality of other outflow channels (48.x-l), which are respectively connected to the fluid channel (40.x-1) or to a plurality of fluid channels (40.x-1; 40.x-2) by means of a flow path (50.x-l).